Denise O'Sullivan taken to hospital as Ireland's World Cup training game abandoned

The behind-closed-doors tie with Colombia in Brisbane became 'overly physical' the FAI say.

INJURED Denise O'Sullivan of Republic of Ireland warms up before the women's friendly match against Colombia at Meakin Park in Brisbane. O'Sullivan was taken to hospital after 20 minutes of the game. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Denise O’Sullivan’s availability for Ireland’s World Cup opener against Australia is in doubt after an overly physical approach by Colombia forced Vera Pauw to abandon the unofficial friendly in Brisbane.

The workout – closed to fans and media – was designed to be a 90-minute exercise featuring two possible starting teams but there was nothing leisurely about the South Americans’ tactics from the outset as they were already shown two yellow cards inside the opening 19 minutes.